Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, and Sabrina Carpenter Dominate Female-Led MTV VMAs
New York, NY – The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) returned to Long Island’s UBS Arena on Sunday night, spotlighting a new era of female dominance in the music industry. Headlined by major wins for Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, and Sabrina Carpenter, the ceremony featured powerful performances, surprise tributes, and statements of solidarity, particularly around gender and LGBTQ+ rights.
Gaga Leads the Pack with Four Wins
Lady Gaga emerged as the night’s top winner, securing four awards including Artist of the Year. With this latest haul, her career total of VMAs rises to 22, placing her third in the all-time rankings—behind only Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, who each hold 30. Gaga also took home Best Direction and Best Art Direction for her gothic-inspired video “Abracadabra,” and Best Collaboration for “Die With A Smile” featuring Bruno Mars. She dedicated her top award to her fiancé Michael Polansky and her fanbase, the “Little Monsters,” before heading to a live concert at Madison Square Garden, where MTV cameras followed her for a surprise performance.
Ariana Grande Wins Video of the Year
Ariana Grande took home three awards, including the coveted Video of the Year for “Brighter Days Ahead.” The track, which also won Best Pop Video and Best Longform Video, was lauded for its emotional depth and healing message. In her acceptance speech, Grande spoke about overcoming trauma and encouraged others on similar journeys. “Please continue onward,” she told fans, “because I promise there are brighter days ahead.”
Carpenter Takes a Stand with Trans-Inclusive Performance
Sabrina Carpenter also collected three awards, including Album of the Year for Short n’ Sweet, the newly introduced Best Pop Artist, and Best Visual Effects for “Manchild.” Her performance of “Tears” was one of the night’s most politically charged moments, featuring drag queens and trans dancers holding placards with slogans like “In Trans We Trust” and “Protect the Dolls.” The powerful statement was widely praised on social media for its inclusivity and visibility.
Mariah Carey Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award
Pop icon Mariah Carey was celebrated with the Video Vanguard Award and also picked up Best R&B for “Type Dangerous.” In a pre-recorded message, Carey quipped, “I don’t know why it took you so long, MTV!” before taking the stage for a medley of her classics. While some fans noted her low-energy performance, many agreed she remained “iconic” nonetheless. In her speech, Carey reflected on the role music videos have played in her career, calling them “my way of life.”
MTV Video Music Awards 2025 – Other Highlights
- Megan Moroney won the inaugural Best Country category for “Am I Okay?”
- Rosé and Bruno Mars’s collaboration “APT” won Song of the Year, while Rosé’s group BLACKPINK was named Best Group.
- Doechii won both Best Hip-Hop and Best Choreography for “Anxiety”.
- Tate McRae took home Best Editing and Song of the Summer for “Just Keep Watching.”
- Shakira won Best Latin for “Soltera,” and Tyla claimed Best Afrobeats.
- Latin legend Ricky Martin won the Latin Icon Award and performed a medley of his hits.
- Busta Rhymes received the Rock The Bells Visionary award.
- The late Ozzy Osbourne was honored in a tribute led by Yungblud, Steven Tyler, and Joe Perry.
- Coldplay won Best Rock for “All My Love,” while Sombr took Best Alternative for “Back To Friends.”
Despite a subdued telecast, which saw LL Cool J make limited appearances as host and only seven awards handed out live, the event proved impactful.
It reflected both the evolving face of pop culture and the continued influence of women, LGBTQ+ artists, and global performers across genres.
An entity of flesh and bones in pursuit of becoming a higher being. A connoisseur of the mystic arts and everything musical. His origins are unknown, and so are his true motives.
